How to Price Roofing Jobs in Australia: A Practical Guide for 2026
Underpricing a roofing job is one of the most expensive mistakes a roofer can make. You win the job. You spend three days on a steep, awkward roof in January heat. And when you add up the labour, materials, and equipment hire — you barely broke even.
This guide covers how to price roofing jobs in Australia accurately, the main pricing models, the factors that move the number up or down, and how to stop leaving money on the table with your follow-up.
The Three Main Roofing Pricing Models
1. Per Square Metre Rate
This is the most common model for residential reroofing and new roof installs. You quote a price per sqm that covers labour and, optionally, materials.
Typical 2026 rates (AUD):
| Work Type | Labour Only (per sqm) | Supply & Install (per sqm) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorbond steel (standard pitch) | $35–$55 | $80–$130 |
| Concrete tiles (standard pitch) | $30–$50 | $75–$120 |
| Terracotta tiles | $40–$65 | $100–$160 |
| Metal standing seam | $60–$90 | $140–$200 |
| Gutters and fascia replacement | $80–$120 per linear metre | — |
2. Day Rate
Some roofers prefer a day rate for repair work, maintenance, and jobs where scope is unclear until you're on the roof.
Typical 2026 day rates (AUD):
- Single tradie: $600–$950 per day
- Tradie + labourer: $1,000–$1,500 per day
3. Fixed Quote
A fixed-price quote suits jobs where scope is clearly defined. Include clear variation terms: any change in scope discovered during the job will be charged as a variation at your day rate.
Factors That Affect Roofing Prices
Roof Pitch
- Standard pitch (15–25 degrees): Base rate
- Medium pitch (25–35 degrees): Add 15–25%
- Steep pitch (35+ degrees): Add 30–50%
Roof Access
- Easy single-storey access: Base rate
- Two-storey: Add 15–20%
- Scaffolding required: $800–$2,500 for a residential job
- Crane required: Add $500–$1,500
Material
- Colorbond: Generally easier to handle, faster to install than tile
- Concrete tiles: Heavy, slower, harder on the body
- Terracotta tiles: Premium product, slower install, more fragile
Location
Regional Queensland or WA mining areas can command 20–30% higher rates due to demand and travel. For jobs more than 1 hour from your depot, factor in travel time at your hourly rate.
Existing Conditions
- Removing existing roofing: Waste removal and labour adds $10–$25/sqm
- Damaged sarking or battens: Quote as a variation
- Asbestos (pre-1990 homes): Do not quote without an asbestos assessment
Waste Removal
Skip bin hire for a standard residential reroof is $400–$800. Include it in your quote or list it as a separate line item.
Pricing Table: Typical Total Job Costs
| Roof Size | Material | Typical Total Cost (Supply & Install, AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 sqm | Colorbond steel | $12,000–$19,500 |
| 150 sqm | Concrete tile | $11,250–$18,000 |
| 150 sqm | Terracotta tile | $15,000–$24,000 |
| 220 sqm | Colorbond steel | $17,600–$28,600 |
| 220 sqm | Concrete tile | $16,500–$26,400 |
| 220 sqm | Terracotta tile | $22,000–$35,200 |
| 300 sqm | Colorbond steel | $24,000–$39,000 |
| 300 sqm | Metal standing seam | $42,000–$60,000 |
Add 20–40% for steep pitch, difficult access, or heritage requirements.
How to Build Your Quote Correctly
- Scope of works — exactly what you are doing
- Materials specified — product name, colour, brand
- Exclusions — what's not included
- Payment terms — deposit amount, progress payment triggers, balance on completion
- Validity period — quote valid for 30 days
- Variation clause — any changes to scope will be quoted separately before work proceeds
The Follow-Up Problem: Where Roofers Leave Money
You send a quote. The customer doesn't respond. You assume they went with someone else and move on. Three days later, they call someone else — because you never followed up.
A simple follow-up sequence:
- Day 2 after quote: "Hi [Name], just checking in on the quote I sent through. Happy to answer any questions."
- Day 5: "Just a quick follow-up on the quote. We're booking into [month] — let me know if you'd like to lock in a date."
- Day 10: "Last follow-up — just want to make sure you received the quote and didn't have any questions."
Kabooyaa automates this entire sequence — you send the quote, and the follow-ups go out automatically on the schedule you set.
FAQ
How much does it cost to reroof a house in Australia in 2026?
For a typical 180–220 sqm residential home with standard-pitch Colorbond roofing, expect $15,000–$28,000 supply and installed. Tile roofs in the same size range run $14,000–$26,000.
Should I quote labour only or supply and install for roofing jobs?
For most residential jobs, supply and install is the easier conversation — customers want one number. Make sure your supply margins are factored into your per-sqm rate.
How much should I charge per sqm for roofing labour in Australia?
Labour-only rates in 2026 typically range from $30–$65/sqm depending on roof type, pitch, and location.
What deposit should I take on a roofing job?
A 10–30% deposit is standard in Australia for residential roofing. Always get a deposit before ordering materials.
How do I handle quotes that go quiet?
Set up an automated follow-up sequence. Most quotes don't go silent because the customer chose someone else — they go silent because the customer is busy and waiting for someone to prompt them.
Get Your Pricing Right From the Start
Price your jobs based on real costs — materials, labour, overheads, equipment, travel, and your target margin. Don't price against competitors you can't see.
And once the quote goes out, follow up. The job you quote but don't follow up on is the most expensive job you never did.
Want to automate your quote follow-up? Kabooyaa sends timed follow-up messages after every quote, automatically. Start at kabooyaa.com.au.
